More than 85,000 adults in San Mateo County struggle with reading and writing in English, according to San Mateo County Libraries.
Starting August 10, they'll have a new option: a free 12-week citizenship preparation class at Brisbane Library.
The library system announced the class on July 24, as part of an expanded slate of free Adult Learning programs available at all 13 of its locations and partner community sites across the county.
The new citizenship class meets Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Brisbane Library, 163 Visitacion Avenue in Brisbane. Participants will prepare for the U.S. naturalization interview and civics exam over the 12-week course. The library system already offers citizenship classes at other locations, but the Brisbane session is a new addition.
Beyond citizenship prep, the Adult Learning menu includes volunteer-led one-on-one tutoring for reading and writing, English classes, English Conversation Clubs, an online high school diploma program, Spanish literacy for native Spanish speakers, and digital literacy courses. All programs are free.
40 learners on the waitlist
The library system is actively recruiting volunteer literacy tutors to meet demand. On average, 40 adult learners sit on a waitlist across the county's libraries, waiting to be matched with a tutor, according to San Mateo County Libraries.
No teaching experience is required. Volunteers must be at least 18, complete a free 10-hour online training at their own pace, then attend a follow-up practice session with Adult Learning staff before being paired with a learner. Fingerprinting is required and provided at no cost. The commitment: one to two hours per week for at least six months.
Some partnerships last far longer. One tutor-learner pair at Half Moon Bay Library has been meeting since 2012.
In a library testimonial, Flor, an adult learner at Half Moon Bay Library who arrived from Mexico and has since obtained her driver's license, started a family, and found a job, said: "I want to thank the library and Meg for the tutoring program. Without them, I would still have a huge language barrier in my daily life."
As of 2023, the most recent year with published data, 133 tutor-learner pairs were active in the program, working toward goals like applying for jobs, reading with their children, and preparing for the GED.
How to get involved
Residents interested in the Adult Learning programs, enrolling in the citizenship class, or volunteering as a tutor can call (650) 323-0362, email [email protected], or visit smcl.org/adult-learning. The program page is available in English, Spanish, and Traditional Chinese.
Upcoming:
- Monday, August 10 — 12-week U.S. Citizenship Test Class begins, Brisbane Library, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
- Ongoing — Volunteer literacy tutor recruitment; information sessions held throughout the year at various SMCL locations.
